Let’s Talk The Basics Of Lip Filler: What You Need + Want To Know

As an injector, one of the biggest comments I get is “I really want my lips done, but I don’t want to look like one of those girls.” So I want to talk about lip filler. I feel like it’s all the rage for the last couple of years. So I want to talk about it from both a practitioner side and as someone who has gotten them. I know I have talked about it before, but, more on the side of why I chose to get lip filler. But, as a practitioner, here’s the basics of lip filler…EVERYTHING you need to know before your appointment.

First, getting lip injections in not just for those that are young and looking to up their selfie game. Many people, all different ages are looking to plump up their pout for different reasons. Me, I wanted to hide my scar, others are looking to hide aging and fill in the volume they have lost over the years. Whatever the reason, if you have done your research and selected a great practitioner your lips will be plump, but in a natural way.

The Basics of Lip Filler

Most practitioners use a topical numbing cream to help minimize pain

With that said, the first time I had my lips filled there was no numbing cream used. I didn’t think it was bad. But I have been known to have a high tolerance for pain. Also, the product itself does have some Lidocaine mixed with the filler. Some practices also offer dental blocks, I would say this is a little excessive. If you have a topical numbing cream on you will be just fine.

Filler can last anywhere from 3-18 months

The length of time it last really depends on the product you use. I’m not as familiar with the Restylane products, but I did have it injected in my lips once. I felt like it only lasted about 3-4 months…maybe! Versa and Juvaderm products will last up to 12 months, with Vollure lasting up to 18 months.

There are different types of filler to achieve the look you want

Most temporary fillers are hylaronic acid base, but each product is designed differently. For example, Juvaderm is a thicker product, it’s great for giving you more projection (no I’m not talking duck lips projection). Then there is an option of Vollure, which is a little thinner, lasts a up to 18 months and is great for plumping and smoothing out wrinkles. One of my favorite products currently is Versa, it fives great volume, but doesn’t cause as much swelling as Juvederm.

You will see the results almost immediately

Your lips will be a little swollen at first, but the effects of fillers are pretty instant. Give your lips about 48 hours to settle and the swelling to calm. Filler tends to looks its best around two weeks. Then you’ll see your plumper lips as they will be for the next few months to a year depending on product.

Know that you may be rather swollen for a day or two and up to two weeks after your treatment

Know that this is totally normal and that the swelling will subside. I’ll say it again because the first few times I had my lips done I didn’t have a ton of swelling, but this last time I’ll admit…they were HUUGE! Even knowing they were swollen and would go down, I was a little freaked out, but rest assured, the swelling will go down. In fact, once it does you’ll probably be ready for a another syringe because you get use to that great volume.

It’s totally normal to layer different products to get the results you’re looking for

Now, know that if it is your first time getting lip injections I would start low, go slw and build up. I currently have about three syringes in my lips, but that is over a 6 month period. The last thing you want to do is go in get a couple of syringes and then realize they are way too much for you, or more than you really wanted. Then have to either deal with them, or go in and have some of it dissolved. You’ll be annoyed that you wasted the money. It’s much better to get a syringe, see the results in a couple of weeks, then add more if you want. Doing it this way is also safer for you.

Bruising is a side effect, not a complication

Everyone comes in and asks “Will I bruise?” My answer for this questions is yes. I mean we are using a needle to puncture the tissue. I tell my patients that our lips are very vascular so expect a bruise. If you don’t, then that’s great. Just don’t be alarmed if you do. Although you cannot put anything on them to cover it the say you get injected, but starting the next day you can easy throw on a darker lip shade.

You can completely erase HA fillers if you don’t like how your lips turn out for whatever reason

Because HA is not permanent, your practitioner can inject something called hyaluronidase. This enzyme will dissolve the filler in five minutes if you’re unhappy with the initial results. On the contrary, permanent and semi-permanent fillers are tempting, but know they’re not reversible without a surgical procedure.

There is so much to know before going into your first appointment. My best advice is to do you research on the practitioner. Look at reviews, find out how long they have been injecting and know that a good injector does not mean they are a physician. There are many physicians that have not been doing this long, but a Nurse, Nurse Practitioner and Physicians Assists have been trained the same and may be just as good, if not better! Lastly, find a few people you know that have great results that you and they love. Word of mouth recommendation is usually the way to go.

If you have any questions on lip filler, or really any filler comment below or email me. If you have questions or want info on BOTOX see my Basics of Botox post or Botox vs Xeomin.

Thank you so much for stopping by! Get Out There and have a Gorgeous Day!